Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s ongoing column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with Derelict drummer Tommy McKinnon as his cats debate between metal and jazz music.
Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?
I have two cats: Bruce and Lucy. Bruce has been with me for 9 years and Lucy is brand new in the family, she’s only 3 months old. Both were stray kittens that were found by chance. My wife and I care for them very much and we make sure they have the best life, and in return, they enrich our lives.
Have you ever taken your pet on tour?
No. Back when I was touring full-time, I didn’t have pets because I didn’t feel that I could be there for anybody. All of my attention was focused on music.
Who looks after your pet while on the road?
Bruce stayed with friends for a few months once, but now I only do studio work, so I’m home every day.
What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?
It’s hard to say. Bruce is definitely a Metal fan, I can have Morbid Angel playing full blast and Bruce will be napping right in front of the speakers. But he likes all music, always has. He also loves it when I play drums or guitar. He sits close by and squints, lol. I’m not sure about Lucy yet, but I think she likes Jazz.
How did you introduce your pet to metal?
I just listen to bands while doing chores or work, or just relaxing and listening to albums, so they’re around Metal all the time because that’s what I listen to the most. Usually when I work on a mix, Bruce naps close by.
What animal charity means most to you?
I donate every year to my local SPCA because I think they do real work with pets in need in my community.
